I have a nice sized unused patch behind our double shed which is just weeds which always seem to grow back. what are the best ideas to remove all weeds and to prep the soil for planting vegetables etc
Hi @geoffcox,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
I’d start by removing as many of the weeds and their roots as possible. For a vegetable garden, physically removing them is preferable to using a long-lasting weedkiller that could affect what you plant afterwards. Pull the larger weeds out by hand or use a weed puller tool to help. You can then use a mattock, hoe or garden fork to till and rotate the soil. You can then pick out any of the remaining weeds which will have been loosened during this process.
Once cleared, dig the soil over and incorporate plenty of organic matter such as compost and manure. This will help improve the soil structure, drainage and nutrient content before planting.
You could also cover the cleared area with a few layers of cardboard and a thick layer of mulch to help suppress any regrowth. Alternatively, weed mat or geofabric can be used alongside mulch, but you would need to cut them so your vegetables can be planted through them into the soil beneath.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/how-to-start-a-vegetable-garden and https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/how-to-control-weeds-organically for some further guidance.
If you are thinking of using raised garden beds, @Noelle's article on How to fill a raised garden bed also has some great advice.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
